Juventude vs Palmeiras Prediction: Palmeiras could get closer to the top

Juventude and Palmeiras will close out Round 30 in a game where the champion must win to reduce the gap to Botafogo to just one point. The Cariocas will remain at the top of the Brasileirão for at least another round, but the draw they conceded dramatically at home to Criciúma gives Palmeiras more momentum.

The Papo has struggled in recent games and is only three points above the relegation zone. Fluminense and Corinthians have already played and won in this round, putting pressure on Juventude, who will host Palmeiras in a tricky game. The Gaúchos have won just once in the last seven rounds, so anxiety is growing as they approach the danger zone. It would be very encouraging for Ventura's team to be able to snatch points from Palmeiras. The Brasileirão is entering its final stretch, and only the most confident teams will avoid relegation. The Caxias do Sul side spent the whole season in comfortable positions, but things could quickly get complicated if results don't improve.

There's no better motivation than playing knowing that your biggest opponent has dropped points. In the last round, Palmeiras drew 0-0 away to Bragantino, and Botafogo took advantage to increase the gap to three points. This time, the Série A leader conceded a draw, and Palmeiras could move closer to the top again. The Verdão is only playing in the league, unlike Botafogo, who has reached the Copa Libertadores semi-finals. This factor could give the Paulistas an advantage, so if they beat Juventude, their chances of winning the title for the third time in a row increase. Palmeiras will still host Botafogo in Round 36 in what will be the match of the year, so the outlook is encouraging.

Although both teams drew in the last round, Palmeiras is in a far superior moment. Before the 0-0 against Bragantino, the Verdão had won all six of its previous games, while Juventude had only one victory in that period. Abel Ferreira's men will enter the pitch determined to win to narrow the gap to first place and put pressure on Botafogo. Palmeiras is the favorite, but I'll use a Double Chance with a maximum of three goals scored in the match to prevent a possible draw.